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Walter COWNDEN Obituary

A loving family is tremendously saddened by the passing of Walter Charles Cownden. Walter was born in Victoria, British Columbia. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Mavis Kathleen Cownden after enjoying a wonderful 70 years of marriage. Walter was pre-deceased by his sister Francis and brothers Vincent, Albert, Maurice and Arthur. He is survived by his family Vince (Karen), Melinda (Alun), Lisa, Chantal (Kevin) and grandchildren Damian (Meghan), Justin, Natasha, Nicole (Nate), Devon (Kristina), Chase, Ciara (Dominic), Elena and great grandchildren Ryder, Brody and Tasia. Walter, along with his wife Mavis, was very well known in the broadcasting world for his program Candlelight and Wine. The two were always together and when Walter wasn’t enjoying his passion for music they spent much of their time volunteering for St. Vincent De Paul. While being caring parents Walter and Mavis still found time to help others, their door was always open for anyone in need. As a young man Walter served in the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the destroyer HMCS Restigouche during World War II after meeting the love of his life, Mavis. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 4049 Gordon Head Road in Saanich on Friday January 10th, 2020 at 10am. A short reception will be held in the adjoining hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful staff at the Victoria Hospice where Walter spent his last days.
Published by The Times Colonist from Dec. 31, 2019 to Jan. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter COWNDEN

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6 Entries

Art Cooper

January 2, 2020

I've known Walter since I was a little boy...along with Mavis and Vince. It was my joy to eventually get a job with Walter and Vince at C-fax. He was the best father figure...a great broadcaster...and when eventually he left to join CKDA/CFMS he asked me to join him. It was the best advice I could ever get...not just to work in radio but to work alongside Walter. He always called himself Dad to me..He changed my life and made me the man I am today. He's with Mavis now and...always in my thoughts and memories.

Dianne Pearce

December 31, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Walter - a fine gentleman and a respected broadcaster. So many memories of working with Walter from the early fifties to the mid eighties. He was my Boss, my Buddy, my Friend. It was a pleasure to also share time with Walter's lovely, gracious wife, Mavis. I have an LP of the CJVI Christmas program broadcast in 1955 - a wonderful group of talented staff members performed, Walter's magnificent voice narrated. So many memories. Thank you, Walter.

Greg Craven

December 31, 2019

condolences at this time of grief for the family ..

Brian Tighe

December 31, 2019

I appreciated Walter Cownden's wisdom. He was in control of everything; even reading my reports I gave him at CFMS. I was told by Walter that radio didn't pay enough money, and he was almost right with that gem. I am glad to have known him in the broadcast industry, and to be able to drive him to Church the odd time and possibly go for a coffee afterwards. Thank You Walter.
Bro. Brian T. Tighe.

CliveK

December 31, 2019

I once saw Walter mad. I know he was mad because he told me so. I thought he was having a mild gas attack and offered a swig of Diane Pearce's secret stash of Pepto Bismal.

One of the truly good guys in what at times was and remains a blood-sport industry Walter was a full-on full-time Gentleman. A pleasure to know him.

Janet Hutson

December 31, 2019

To Melinda and your family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Father.
I never had a chance to meet him but I always enjoyed listening to the stories you fondly told about him. I'm sure he will be missed by you all.

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Memorial Events
for Walter COWNDEN

Jan

10

Visitation

Holy Cross Catholic Church

4049 Gordon Head Road, Saanich, BC

Jan

10

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

4049 Gordon Head Road, Saanich, BC